Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem

The Lord answered Nehemiah’s prayer recorded in Nehemiah 1. Nehemiah 2 tells that Nehemiah had an opportunity to tell King Artaxerxes why he was sad and that the king’s heart was softened toward him. The king then allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls of the city. Artaxerxes even provided financial support and gave Nehemiah letters to carry to governors of the provinces to show Nehemiah had the king’s approval. With King Artaxerxes’ permission, Nehemiah then traveled to Jerusalem, analyzed the situation, and realized more than ever that he must help build the walls of Jerusalem.

Persian Empire

The Persian Empire 500 B.C.

Thrace

Macedonia

Greece

Lydia

Phrygia

Cappadocia

Cyprus

Cilicia

Moschi (Meshech)

Armenia

Arabia

Egypt

Hyrcania

Media

Parthia

Persis

Chorasmia

Sogdiana

Bactria

Aria

Arachosia

Drangiana

Carmania

Gedrosia

Babylonia

Black Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Nile River

Red Sea

Euphrates River

Tigris River

Caspian Sea

Persian Gulf

Aral Sea

Arabian Sea

Byzantium

Ephesus

Tyre

Jerusalem

Memphis

Tarsus

Damascus

Assur

Babylon

Susa (Shushan)

Persepolis

map of Jerusalem gates

Jerusalem at the Time of Nehemiah

Fish gate

Sheep gate

Muster gate

Temple site

East gate

Horse gate

Valley gate

Fountain gate

Stairs descending from the City of David

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Nehemiah 2.

1. An Example of Faith

   1. What did Nehemiah say to encourage the people?

   2. How did the people respond?

   3. How did Nehemiah respond to the “mockers”?

   4. How could we apply what Nehemiah did when trying to accomplish something the Lord or His servants ask us to do?